Die rolling and identification apparatus and gaming machine

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a gaming machine where players can play without giving them a sense of unfairness or suspicion and it is possible to identify die spots with a comparatively simple and uncomplicated structure. A gaming machine involving the present invention is characterized as a gaming machine comprising a die, a die container and a means of turning, the body of the die having transparency and the spot display panels formed on each face of the die having light shielding properties, the die container comprising a die shaker and a die slide where the die shaker is connected to the die slide in order to enable the die to move between the die shaker and the die slide, the die shaker has transparency, part of the die slide has light shielding properties, the die slide can slide without the die rolling, the means of turning turns the die container and comprises a motor and a plurality of gears connected to the motor. A means of reading comprising a light sensor is disposed on the bottom surface of the die slide, a means of illumination is disposed on the upper surface of the die slide, the die shaken in the die shaker is designed to stop in the prescribed position of the die slide that has light shielding properties, the means of illumination is disposed on the No.  1  face equating to the spots on the die stopped in the prescribed position and the means of reading is disposed on the No.  2  face opposite the No.  1  side, and the spots on the die are identified based on information obtained by the means of reading.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a die rolling and identificationapparatus and a gaming machine using said apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, games played by rolling multiple dice and somehowidentifying the resulting spots or a combination, etc., of spots on thedice to determine a win (or a loss), or games played to guess the spotsor combination of spots on dice, are known.

For example, in patent document 1, fully automatic dice gaming machines,that aim to reduce the unfairness and effort when dice are rolled byhuman effort, are disclosed.

Furthermore, in recent years, it is known that in various gamingmachines where the value on the dice, or combination of values, isguessed, animations and CG, instead of real dice, are used to createimages.

In addition, in various gaming machines where real dice are used, thereare more than a few structures that give players a sense of suspicion asto whether or not the spots are really random.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS Patent Documents

Patent document 1: Government Publication No. 3127747—Utility modelregistration

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

As die rolling and identification apparatuses involving conventionaltechnology (or gaming machines utilizing it) are comprised as describedabove, they have had the following problems.

For example, in gaming machines made to utilize real dice, includingthose shown in patent document 1, as they are made with a large spacefor identifying the spots on the dice, it is thought to be relativelyeasy to manipulate the state of the spots, including the way in whichthe die rolls, meaning that it is difficult to dispel the suspicions ofplayers.

Furthermore, when animation or CG are used to create an image of die toexpress the spots on the die, etc., as it is even easier to manipulatethe state of the spots than it is as compared with using an actual die,it is difficult to dispel the suspicions of players.

In other words, with conventional technology, with regard to the stateof die rolling and spots, it is difficult to dispel the sense ofunfairness and the suspicions of players, meaning that there has been aproblem of players not being able to play in a relaxed state.

Furthermore, in gaming machines made to utilize real dice, as compactcameras, etc., were used to identify spots on the dice, there was aproblem of the apparatus becoming cumbersome, which led to an increasein costs.

This invention was thus designed to solve the abovementioned problemsand to provide a “die rolling and identification apparatus” where inaddition to using an actual die, due to the nature of its structure itallows players to play without giving a sense of unfairness orsuspicion, it makes possible the identification of spots on a die due toits relatively simple and basic structure.

Moreover, the present invention was designed to solve the problems ofthe abovementioned conventional technologies and to provide a “gamingmachine” made using the die rolling and identification apparatus wherein addition to using an actual die, due to the nature of its structureit allows players to play without giving a sense of unfairness orsuspicion, it makes possible the identification of spots on a die due toits relatively simple and basic structure.

Means to Solve Problems

The die rolling and identification apparatus, which is the firstembodiment of the present invention, was made to solve theabovementioned problems and is characterized as a die rolling andidentification apparatus equipped with a die container containing a dieand a means of turning that turns said die container; said die containercomprising a die shaker and a die slide where said die shaker isconnected to said die slide in order to enable said die to move betweensaid die shaker and said die slide, said die shaker has transparency,part of said die slide has light shielding properties, said die slidecan slide without said die rolling; said means of turning turns said diecontainer and comprises a motor and a plurality of gears connected tosaid motor; said die shaken in said die shaker that is stopped in aprescribed position in said die slide where the light is blocked bycontrolling the turn stop angle using said means of turning. A means ofreading the spots of said die stopped in said prescribed position isdisposed on the side facing said die and said spots on said die areidentified based on information obtained by such means for reading.

On account of this structure, because it is a die rolling andidentification apparatus that can use an actual die, compared withconventional models that create images of dice using animation or CG, itis possible to obtain a die rolling and identification apparatus thatdispels the suspicions of players and does not have a sense ofunfairness. Through this type of structure, because it is equipped withsaid die shaker having transparency, for players it is possible to moreclearly verify the shaking state of said die and obtain a die rollingand identification apparatus which dispels the suspicions of players andhas no sense of unfairness. Furthermore, on account of this structure,said die shaker has transparency and as said die slide is made in such away that said die slide can slide without rolling said die, players cansee the state of said die during shaking and after shaking said die doesnot roll. Therefore, with this kind of structure, in addition toachieving an appropriate state of shaking for said die, it makes itpossible to obtain a die rolling and identification apparatus that caneliminate improper die rolling after shaking (and after identification).Furthermore, with this kind of structure, by controlling the turningmovement and stopping of said die container using said means of turningusing said motor, etc., it is possible to carry out shaking of said diein a visible state and proper identification, etc., of spots on saiddie. That is to say, with this kind of structure, it is relativelysimple to carry out shaking of said die. Therefore, it is difficult forerroneous electrical movement to occur and it is possible to obtain adie rolling and identification apparatus where it is difficult forimproper operation to be carried out.

In a die rolling and identification apparatus structured in this way, itis desirable for there to be at least one internal elevated area to bedisposed inside said die shaker.

The die rolling and identification apparatus involved in the presentinvention is able to shake said die inside said die shaker comprising ofsaid die container by turning said die container using said means ofturning. When doing so, as mentioned above, shaking of said die can becarried out more randomly if said internal elevated area (a raised areafacing the inside of said die shaker) is disposed inside said dieshaker.

Gaming machines involving the second aspect of the present invention arefor solving the abovementioned problems and are characterized as gamingmachines equipped with a die container containing said die and a meansof turning that turns said die container; the body of said die havingtransparency and the spot display panels formed on each face of said diebody which have light shielding properties; said die containercomprising a die shaker and a die slide where said die shaker isconnected to said die slide in order to enable said die to move betweensaid die shaker and said die slide, said die shaker has transparency,part of said die slide which has light shielding properties, said dieslide which can slide without said die rolling; said means of turningthat turns said die container and comprises a motor and a plurality ofgears connected to said motor; a means of reading comprising a lightsensor that is disposed on the slide lower surface of said die slide, ameans of illumination which is disposed on the slide upper surface ofsaid die slide; said die shaken in said die shaker which is stopped inthe prescribed position of said die slide having shielding properties bycontrolling the turn stop angle by said means of turning, said means ofillumination which is disposed on the transparent part of said die slidestopped in a prescribed position, said means of illumination which isdisposed on the No. 1 face equating to said spots on said die stopped insaid prescribed position and said means of reading which is disposed onthe No. 2 face opposite said No. 1 side, and said spots on said dieidentified based on information obtained by said means of reading.

On account of this structure, because it is a gaming machine using anactual die, compared with conventional models that create an image ofdice using animation or CG, it is possible to obtain a gaming machinethat dispels the suspicions of players and does not have a sense ofunfairness. Through this type of structure, because it is equipped withsaid die shaker having transparency, for players it is possible to moreclearly verify the shaking state of said die and it is possible toobtain a gaming machine which dispels the suspicions of players and hasno sense of unfairness. Furthermore, on account of this structure, assaid die shaker has transparency and said die slide is made so it canslide without rolling said die, players are able to see the state ofshaking of said die and after shaking said die does not roll. Therefore,with this kind of structure, in addition to achieving an appropriatestate of shaking for said die, it makes it possible to obtain a gamingmachine that can eliminate improper die rolling after shaking (and afteridentification). Furthermore, with this kind of structure, as spots onsaid die are identified using said means of illumination and said lightsensor, there is no use of conventional technology such as compactcameras and it is possible to obtain a gaming machine that has acomparatively simple structure and is low cost. Moreover, with this kindof structure, by controlling the turning movement and stopping of saiddie container using said means of turning using said motor, etc., it ispossible to carry out shaking of said die in a visible state and properidentification, etc., of spots on said die. That is to say, with thiskind of structure, it is relatively simple to carry out shaking of saiddie, etc. Therefore, it is difficult for erroneous electrical movementto occur and it is possible to obtain a gaming machine where it isdifficult for improper operation to be carried out.

Advantageous Effect of the Invention

According to the present invention, in addition to using an actual die(a die that is not CG, etc.), on account of its structure, it ispossible to obtain a “die rolling and identification apparatus” whereplayers can play without giving them a sense of unfairness or suspicionand it is possible to identify die spots with a comparatively simple anduncomplicated structure. Furthermore, according to the presentinvention, in addition to using an actual die, on account of itsstructure, it is possible to obtain a “gaming machine” made using a dierolling and identification apparatus where players can play withoutgiving them a sense of unfairness or suspicion and die spots can beidentified with a comparatively a simple and uncomplicated structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simple front view of a gaming machine involving anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a simple side view of a die rolling and identificationapparatus constituting a gaming machine involving an embodiment of thepresent invention and its peripheral elements.

FIG. 3 is an outline drawing of a die rolling and identificationapparatus constituting a gaming machine involving an embodiment of thepresent invention. (a) shows a simple side view, (b) shows a simple topview, (c) shows a line cross-sectional view in the direction of FIG. 3(a) II-II, and (d) shows a line cross-sectional view in the direction ofFIG. 3 (b) III-III (only the die slide).

FIG. 4 is an outline drawing of a die rolling and identificationapparatus constituting a gaming machine involving an embodiment of theinvention. (a) shows a simple side view of the means of reading and (b)shows the position of the sensor (light sensor) of the means of reading.

FIG. 5 is an outline drawing showing the light receiving state of eachsensor of the means of reading the spots in the die rolling andidentification apparatus constituting a gaming machine involving anembodiment of the invention. (a) shows the light receiving state of thesensor when “1” is rolled, (b) shows the light receiving state of thesensor when “2” is rolled, (c) shows the light receiving state of thesensor when “3” is rolled, (d) shows the light receiving state of thesensor when “4” is rolled, (e) shows the light receiving state of thesensor when “5” is rolled, and (f) shows the light receiving state ofthe sensor when “6” is rolled.

FIG. 6 is an outline drawing to explain the die rolling andidentification apparatus constituting a gaming machine involving anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the process that occurs when playing agaming machine involving an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following explains embodiments of the present invention based ondrawings.

This embodiment explains cases where the technology of the presentinvention is used to constitute a “large-small” gaming machine.“Large-small” refers to a Chinese game using three dice. However, thepresent invention is not limited to gaming machines and as long as itdoes not deviate from the purpose of the present invention, in additionto being able to be used as necessary in a variety of apparatuses, it isalso possible to make various changes.

FIG. 1 shows a simple front view of a gaming machine involving anembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a simple side view ofa die rolling and identification apparatus and its peripheral elements.FIG. 3 shows an outline drawing of a die rolling and identificationapparatus constituting a gaming machine involving an embodiment of thepresent invention; (a) shows a simple side view; (b) shows a simple topview; and (c) shows a line cross-sectional view in the direction of FIG.3 (a) II-II; and (d) shows a line cross-sectional view in the directionof FIG. 3 (b) III-III (only the die slide). FIG. 4 shows an overview ofthe means of reading the spots on a die in a die rolling andidentification apparatus constituting a gaming machine involving anembodiment of the present invention, (a) shows a simple side view of themeans of reading and (b) shows a diagram of the position of the sensor(light sensor) of the means of reading. FIG. 5 is an outline drawingshowing the light receiving state of each sensor of the means of readingthe spots in the die rolling and identification apparatus constituting agaming machine involving an embodiment of the present invention. (a)shows the light receiving state of the sensor when “1” is rolled, (b)shows the light receiving state of the sensor when “2” is rolled, (c)shows the light receiving state of the sensor when “3” is rolled, (d)shows the light receiving state of the sensor when “4” is rolled, (e)shows the light receiving state of the sensor when “5” is rolled, and(f) shows the light receiving state of the sensor when “6” is rolled.

As shown in FIG. 1, a gaming machine 1 involving these embodimentscomprises a plurality of die rolling and identification apparatuses 2disposed within a die rolling and identification apparatus enclosure 11housed within a chassis 10. Three die rolling and identificationapparatuses 2 are disposed within the gaming machine 1. Furthermore, inthe lower part of the die rolling and identification apparatus enclosure11, a liquid crystal display panel 12 corresponding to each of the dierolling and identification apparatuses 2 is disposed. In addition, a betdisplay panel 13 is disposed on the lower part of the liquid crystaldisplay panel 12 for use when playing using the gaming machine 1involving this embodiment.

Each of the die rolling and identification apparatuses 2 involved inthis embodiment comprises a die container 20 and a means of turning 80,etc., as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, etc. A means of turning 80corresponding to each of the die containers 20 (No. 1 die container 20Athrough No. 3 die container 20C) that turns and stops said diecontainers is disposed in this embodiment. A die 60 is contained withineach of the die containers 20.

As shown in FIG. 2, etc., each die container 20 comprises a die shaker21, a die slide 22 and an opening connector 23 connecting them. That isto say, the die container 20 involved in this embodiment comprises a dieshaker 21 and a die slide 22 connected by an opening connector 23 thatallows the die 60 contained to move between the die shaker 21 and thedie slide 22. The die container 20 involved in this embodiment is madeusing material with transparency, for example, glass or plastic.

The die shaker 21 comprises a shaker 21 a within which a die 60 can rolland be shaken, with an internal elevated area 21 b disposed on theinside of the shaker 21 a. Furthermore, the die slide 22 is structuredin such as way that it is possible for it to slide without shaking thedie 60 after being shaken in the die shaker 21.

The opening connector 23 connecting the die shaker 21 and the die slide22 is made in such a way that the die 60 is able to move between the dieshaker 21 and the die slide 22 without getting stuck. Specifically, theopening connector 23 is formed with a circular or rectangular openingand the diameter of the circular opening, or the length of one side ofthe rectangular opening, is made longer than the diagonal length of thedie 60 (“a√3” when one side of the die 60 is “a”).

The shaker body 21 a of the die shaker 21 is structured in a way thatthe die 60 can be effectively shaken randomly. For example, the shakerbody 21 a is made to such a size that the corner portion located on theopposing corner of the die 60 (the distance “a√3” between a pair ofcorner portions) cannot at the same time touch the inside surface of theshaker body 21 a in the internal space of the shaker body 21 a.

As shown in FIG. 3, etc., the die slide 22 is comprised of the slidelower surface 22 a, the slide upper surface 22 b, the slide rear surface22 c, the slide front surface 22 d, the slide left surface 22 e, and theslide right surface 22 f. That is to say, in addition to the die 60being able to slide, the die slide 22 is made of a size that does notallow the die 60 to roll.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3( a), in this embodiment, the distancebetween the slide rear surface 22 c of the die slide 22 and the edges ofthe opening of the opening connector 23 near the slide rear surface 22 c(rear surface die holding distance L) has more than a prescribeddistance. The rear surface die holding distance L, for example, asmentioned later, when re-shaking the die 60, (for example when carryingout step S709 through S712, etc., please see FIG. 6 (c), etc.), is setat more than a prescribed distance in order to ensure than the die 60does not drop into the die shaker 21 (to ensure it is not reinserted).

The rear surface holding distance L is set so that when the die 60touches the slide rear surface 22 c, the weight of the die 60 ispositioned closer to the slide rear surface 22 c than the edges of theopening of the opening connector 23 as it approaches the slide rearsurface 22 c. Specifically, the rear surface die holding distance L fora side of the die 60 “a” is set at, for example, “2a/3” or “a”(preferably more than “2a/3”).

Moreover, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 (c), the No. 1 dieguide 22A and No. 2 die guide 22B are disposed on the die slide 22. TheNo. 1 die guide 22A is made in such as way that the die 60 does not getstuck in the position where it is in contact with the slide rear surface22 c when it slides in the die slide 22. Specifically, No. 1 die guide22A is made in such as way that it is at a wide angle from the sliderear surface 22 c towards the slide front surface 22 d. The No. 2 dieguide 22B is made in such as way that the die 60 does not get stuck whenmoving from the slide rear surface 22 c to the slide front surface 22 din the die slide 22 and can reach the slide front surface 22 d withoutvibration, etc. Specifically, the No. 2 die guide 22B is made in such asway that it is at a smooth narrow angle from the slide rear surface 22 ctowards the slide front surface 22 d.

Furthermore, at least one of the slide left surface 22 e or the slideright surface 22 f that form the die slide 22 is made in such a way thatit has a prescribed sloping angle instead of simply being a verticalsurface.

To be more specific, the internal space of the die slide 22 is made asshown in FIG. 3 (c). As shown in FIG. 3 (c), the internal dimensions ofthe slide lower surface 22 a are made to be D (=the length of one sideof the die 60). Furthermore, the height d1(=D/3) at an angle where theslide right surface 22 f joins the slide lower surface 22 a in facingupwards forming a vertical surface reaching to the slide upper surface22 b is θ1 (=91° to 150°, preferably 100° to 140°, and even moredesirably 115° to 125°). In addition, the height d2 (=D/3) at an anglewhere the slide left surface 22 e joins the slide lower surface 22 a infacing upwards forming a vertical surface reaching to the slide uppersurface 22 b at a height of d3 (=D/3) is θ2 (=1° to 60°, preferably 10°to 50°, and even more desirably 25° to 35°).

Moreover, on the outside of the slide lower surface 22 a of the dieslide 22 is disposed a light shield 26. Here, some kind of lightshielding material can be applied or cloth or board type material can beattached to the light shield 26. However, these embodiments are notlimited to this configuration and the slide lower surface 22 a itselfcan be made to have light shielding properties. Furthermore, forexample, the slide lower surface 22 a normally has transparency and canbe made having transparency based on an electrical signal (for example aliquid crystal material, etc., can be disposed).

Furthermore, the internal elevated area 21 b of the inside of the shakerbody 21 a is made convexly on the inside of the shaker body 21 a. Forexample, the internal elevated area 21 b is made with a spherical shape.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 through FIG. 4, ameans of reading 40 is disposed on the slide lower surface 22 a close tothe slide rear surface 22 c of the die slide 22 and a means ofillumination 30 is disposed on the slide upper surface 22 b close to theslide rear surface 22 c of the die slide 22 (in other words, in aposition opposing the position in which the means of reading 40 isdisposed).

The means of illumination 30 comprises a plurality of LED light-emittingelements. Furthermore, by using pulsed light emissions, the means ofillumination 30 is made in such a way that it is not influenced byambient light. Furthermore, the cycle of the pulsed light emissions canbe randomly changed and the light sensor of the means of reading 40reads in concert with the cycle of the pulsed light emissions. With thisstructure the influence of interfering light from the outside can beeliminated to a great extent.

As shown in FIG. 4, the means of reading 40 comprises a plurality oflight sensors (light receiving elements). More specifically, as shown inFIG. 4, when identifying the spots on the die 60, seven light sensorsare disposed in a position in contact with the surface opposing thesurface displaying the spots (No. 1 light sensor 41 to No. 7 lightsensor 47).

The die body 61 of the die 60 used in the gaming machine 1 involved inthis embodiment is made having transparency (transparent orsemitransparent). Specifically, it is made of glass or plastic, etc. Thespot display panel 62 (“1” spot display panel 62 a through “6” spotdisplay panel 620 disposed on each of the faces of the die 60 (spotdisplay surfaces 63) are made in such a way that paint, etc., is appliedto the surfaces to achieve light shielding properties, or materialshaving light shielding properties are applied, etc. That is to say, eachspot display surface 63 is made in such a way that areas other than thespot display panels 62 have transparency.

Here an explanation will be provided as to why the total number of spotspositioned on opposing sides (in other words, two sides) is seven when astandard cuboid is used as die 60. In this case, the position of thelight sensors 41 through 47 comprising the means of reading 40 aredisposed in a position where the spot display panels 62 disposed on thedie 60 can be appropriate assessed (see FIG. 4, etc.). Morespecifically, no matter in what direction the die 60 is placed above themeans of reading 40, the spot displays 62 that need to be read are in aposition where they can be read in a pattern in the light receiving andlight blocking pattern of light sensors 41 through 47.

FIG. 5 is an outline drawing showing the light receiving state of eachsensor of the means of reading the spots in the die rolling andidentification apparatus constituting a gaming machine involving anembodiment of the present invention. The reading pattern of lightsensors 41 through 47 is explained using FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, “◯”indicates that the light sensor comprising the means of reading 40 is ina light receiving state, while “” indicates that the light sensorcomprising the means of reading 40 is not in a light receiving state.

In this embodiment, the vicinity of the slide rear surface 22 c of thedie slide 22 is the die 60 spot reading position and during play the die60 is stopped in this position between the means of illumination 30 andthe means of reading 40. Here, the light emitted from the means ofillumination 30 is transmitted through the die body 61 and die spotidentification is carried out based on the pattern of the transmittedlight received by the light sensors and the light shielded (light is notreceived) from the light sensors on the spot displays 62.

FIG. 5 (a) shows the light receiving state of the sensor of the means ofreading 40 when “1” is rolled. The left and right diagrams of FIG. 5 (a)respectively show the state where spot display panel 62 f disposed onspot display surface 63 f is shielding a number of light sensors when“6” spot display surface 63 f is in contact with the means of reading40. The left and right diagrams of FIG. 5 (a) show cases where the angleat which the die is stopped is 90° different. For the left diagram inFIG. 5 (a), the spots on the side facing spot display surface 63 f areidentified as “1” by No. 4 light sensor 44 and No. 5 light sensor 45receiving light. Likewise, in the case of the right diagram in FIG. 5(a), the spots on the side facing spot display surface 63 f areidentified as “1” by No. 2 light sensor 42 and No. 4 light sensor 44receiving light. That is to say, if the light sensors comprising themeans of reading 40 involved in this embodiment are in this position,with respect to “6” spot display surface 63 f, as one or other of thediagrams shown in FIG. 5 (a) will be the light receiving pattern, thespots can be accurately identified as “1”.

FIG. 5 (b) shows the light receiving state of the sensor of the means ofreading 40 when “2” is rolled. FIG. 5 (b) shows the state where spotdisplay panel 62 e disposed on spot display surface 63 e is shielding anumber of light sensors when “5” spot display surface 63 e is in contactwith the means of reading 40. No matter at what angle “5” spot displaysurface 63 e is stopped, it will be as shown in FIG. 5 (b). In thisembodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the light receiving patterns formedby the No. 2 light sensor 42 and No. 5 light sensor 45 show that thespots on the side facing spot display surface 63 e are shown as “2”.That is to say, if the light sensors comprising the means of reading 40involved in this embodiment are in this position, with respect to “5”spot display surface 63 e, as the diagram shown in FIG. 5( b) willalways be the light receiving pattern, the spots can be accuratelyidentified as “2”.

FIG. 5 (c) shows the light receiving state of the sensor of the means ofreading 40 when “3” is rolled. FIG. 5 (c) shows the state where spotdisplay panel 62 d disposed on spot display surface 63 d is shielding anumber of light sensors when “4” spot display surface 63 d is in contactwith the means of reading 40. No matter at what angle “4” spot displaysurface 63 d is stopped, it will be as shown in FIG. 5 (c). In thisembodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 (c), the light receiving patterns formedby the No. 2 light sensor 42, No. 4 light sensor 44 and No. 5 lightsensor 45 show that the spots on the side facing spot display surface 63d are shown as “3”. That is to say, if the light sensors comprising themeans of reading 40 involved in this embodiment are in this position,with respect to “4” spot display surface 63 d, as the diagram shown inFIG. 5 (c) will always be the light receiving pattern, the spots can beaccurately identified as “3”.

FIG. 5 (d) shows the light receiving state of the sensor of the means ofreading 40 when “4” is rolled. The left and right diagrams of FIG. 5 (d)respectively show the state where spot display panel 62 c disposed onspot display surface 63 c is shielding a number of light sensors when“3” spot display surface 63 c is in contact with the means of reading40. The left and right diagrams of FIG. 5 (d) respectively show caseswhere the angle at which the die is stopped is 90° different. For theleft diagram in FIG. 5 (d), the spots on the side facing spot displaysurface 63 c are identified as “4” by No. 1 light sensor 41, No. 2 lightsensor 42, No. 5 light sensor 45 and No. 7 light sensor 47 receivinglight. Likewise, in the case of the right diagram in FIG. 5 (d), thespots on the side facing spot display surface 63 c are identified as “4”by No. 2 light sensor 42, No. 3 light sensor 43, No. 5 light sensor 45and No. 6 light sensor 46 receiving light. That is to say, if the lightsensors comprising the means of reading 40 involved in this embodimentare in this position, with respect to “3” spot display surface 63 c, asone or other of the diagrams shown in FIG. 5 (d) will be the lightreceiving pattern, the spots can be accurately identified as “4”.

FIG. 5 (e) shows the light receiving state of the sensor of the means ofreading 40 when “5” is rolled. The left and right diagrams of FIG. 5 (e)respectively show the state where spot display panel 62 b disposed onspot display surface 63 b is shielding a number of light sensors when“2” spot display surface 63 b is in contact with the means of reading40. The left and right diagrams of FIG. 5 (e) respectively show caseswhere the angle at which the die is stopped is 90° different. For theleft diagram in FIG. 5 (e), the spots on the side facing spot displaysurface 63 b are identified as “5” by No. 1 light sensor 41, No. 2 lightsensor 42, No. 4 light sensor 44, No. 5 light sensor 45 and No. 7 lightsensor 47 receiving light. Likewise, in the case of the right diagram inFIG. 5 (e), the spots on the side facing spot display surface 63 b areidentified as “5” by No. 2 light sensor 42, No. 3 light sensor 43, No. 4light sensor 44, No. 5 light sensor 45 and No. 6 light sensor 46receiving light. That is to say, if the light sensors comprising themeans of reading 40 involved in this embodiment are in this position,with respect to “2” spot display surface 63 b, as one or other of thediagrams shown in FIG. 5 (e) will be the light receiving pattern, thespots can be accurately identified as “5”.

FIG. 5 (f) shows the light receiving state of the sensor of the means ofreading 40 when “6” is rolled. FIG. 5 (f) shows the state where spotdisplay panel 62 a disposed on spot display surface 63 a is shielding anumber of light sensors in the centre when “1” spot display surface 63 ais in contact of the means of reading 40. No matter at what angle “1”spot display surface 63 a is stopped, it will be as shown in FIG. 5 (f).In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 (f), the light receiving patternsformed by No. 1 light sensor 41, No. 2 light sensor 42, No. 3 lightsensor 43, No. 5 light sensor 45, No. 6 light sensor 46 and No. 7 lightsensor 47 show that the spots on the side facing spot display surface 63a are shown as “6”. That is to say, if the light sensors comprising themeans of reading 40 involved in this embodiment are in this position,with respect to “1” spot display surface 63 a, as the diagram shown inFIG. 5 (f) will always be the light receiving pattern, the spots can beaccurately identified as “6”.

The means of turning 80 in the die rolling and identification apparatus2 involved in this embodiment comprises an electric motor 81 (equatingto “motor” in the present invention) and a plurality of gears connectedto the electric motor 81 that turn and stop the abovementioned diecontainer 20. The prescribed gear 83 and die container 20 beingconnected to a rotating central shaft 85, where driving force from theelectric motor 81 is transmitted to the die container 20 through theplurality of gears and the rotating central shaft 85.

A block read sensor 70 is disposed in an appropriate position in thevicinity of the gears comprising the means of turning 80. The block readsensor 70 comprises, for example, a light emitting part and lightsensors, etc., disposed in the vicinity of the gears. Specifically,reflective areas, illuminated areas and open areas, etc., are disposedon the gears and light signals from the reflected light and permeatinglight, etc., are received by the light sensor, etc., of the block readsensor 70. Through this block read sensor so structured, the presentstate (revolution position, block, etc.) of the means of turning 80 canbe appropriately recognized according to the block read sensor 70. Theblock read sensor 70 can also be attached directly to gears, is notlimited to the abovementioned configuration and can be comprised invarious ways as required.

An electric motor 81 involved in this embodiment drives and stops basedon control commands from a CPU (shown in summarized form in the diagram)and signals received from the block read sensor 70. In other words, inthis embodiment, by means of the drive, etc., of the electric motor 81,the die container 20 can be turned in a clockwise direction R1 or ananticlockwise direction R2 and the die container 20 can be stopped in anappropriate position (spot reading position, spot display position,etc.).

In this embodiment, three liquid crystal display panels 12 (No. 1display panel 12 a through No. 3 display panel 12 c) are disposed oneach die rolling and identification apparatus 2. Here, the liquidcrystal display panels 12 are comprised, for example, of seven standardsegments.

Before play on a gaming machine 1, for example, these liquid crystaldisplay panels 12 are either not illuminated, illuminated randomly orilluminated to show the values from the previous game. When play beginson a gaming machine 1, when the die rolling and identification apparatus2 is being alternately and repeatedly rotated in a clockwise directionR1 and an anticlockwise direction R2 (when the die 60 is being shaken),for example, the liquid crystal display panels 12 flash or are randomlyilluminated. At the time when the dice 60 are being identified in thedie rolling and identification apparatuses 2 (when the spots are beingread), for example, the liquid crystal display panels 12 are notilluminated, and when the spots on the dice 60 are revealed to theplayer the liquid crystal display panels are illuminated and the valueof the spots is shown on each of the liquid crystal display panels 12.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, bet display panels 13 aredisposed beneath the liquid crystal display panels 12. These bet displaypanels 13 are a configuration example of a gaming machine 1 and theshape, size and combination, etc., of the bet display panels can varygreatly as required.

The gaming machine 1 involved in this embodiment is comprised asdescribed above and functions as shown below.

Here, FIG. 6 shows a simple side view explaining the operational stateof the die rolling and identification apparatuses comprising the gamingmachine involved in this embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7shows part of a flowchart for when the gaming machine involved in thisembodiment of the present invention is being played.

In the following, in addition to FIG. 1 through FIG. 5, the function(including the function effect) of the gaming machine 1 involved in thisembodiment will be explained using the abovementioned FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.

FIG. 6 (a) is the position at the time of the commencement of operation(or the finish of operation) of the gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1(hereinafter referred to as the “die container standard position). Whenthe die container 20 and the die 60 within the die container 20 are inthis die container standard position, the die 60 is stopped in aposition touching the slide front surface 22 d of the die slide 22 andthe spots on the die 60 are in a state to be able to seen by the player.

When the game is being carried out using the gaming machine 1 involvedin this embodiment (when play is able to begin), as shown in FIG. 7,firstly, a check is carried out (step S701) to ascertain whether the diecontainer 20 is in the FIG. 6 (a) die container standard position.

When the die container 20 is not in the FIG. 6 (a) die containerstandard position (“No” in S701), based on a signal from the CPU, theelectric motor 81 is activated and the die container 20 is moved to thedie container standard position (the FIG. 6 (a) position) (step S702).

When the die container 20 is in the FIG. 6 (a) die container standardposition (“Yes” in S701), based on a signal from the CPU the electricmotor 81 is activated and the die container 20 is rotated in aanticlockwise direction R2 to the FIG. 6 (b) position (hereinafterreferred to as the “shaker insertion position”) (step S703). If the diecontainer 20 is rotated in this way, the die 60 inside the die shaker 21will be inserted into the die slide 22 through the opening connector 23.

After that, based on a signal from the CPU, the electric motor 81 isactivated and the die container 20 is rotated in a clockwise directionR1 from the shaker insertion position to the FIG. 6 (c) position(hereinafter referred to as the “die shaker position”) (step S704).

After that, based on a signal from the CPU and by activating theelectric motor 81, a check is carried out to ascertain whether the diecontainer 20 has been vibrated the designated number of times (stepS705). That is to say, to check whether or not the die 60 in the diecontainer 20 has been shaken.

If the die container 20 has not been shaken the designated number oftimes (“No” in S705), steps S703 and S704 are once again carried out.That is to say, based on a signal from the CPU, the electric motor 81 isactivated, the die container 20 is vibrated in an anticlockwisedirection R2 and in a clockwise direction R1 and the die 60 inside thedie container 20 is shaken.

When the die container 20 is being vibrated a designated number of times(“Yes” in S705), or in other words, when the die 60 inside die container20 is being shaken appropriately, at the same time step S706 is beingcarried out.

After shaking of the die 60 in the die container 20 has beenappropriately carried out, based on a signal from the CPU the electricmotor 81 is activated and the die container 20 is rotated in a clockwisedirection R1 to the FIG. 6 (d) position (hereinafter referred to as the“slide insertion position”) (step S706). By rotating the die container20 in this way the die 60 is inserted into the slide 22 through theopening connector 23 from the die shaker 21.

After that, based on a signal from the CPU, the electric motor 81 isactivated, the die container 20 is rotated in an anticlockwise directionR2 from the slide insertion position to the FIG. 6 (e) position(hereinafter referred to as the “spot reading position”).

The gaming machine 1 involved in this embodiment is made in such a wayas to prevent the player from seeing the die 60 in the spot readingposition. Specifically, as explained using FIG. 3, etc., a light shield26 is disposed on the slide lower surface 22 a of the slide 22. In thespot reading position, the spots on the die 60 are read using the meansof illumination 30 disposed on the slide upper surface 22 b in thevicinity of the slide rear surface 22 c and the means of reading 40disposed on the slide lower surface 22 a in the vicinity of the sliderear surface 22 c (step S708).

After the reading of the spots on the die 60 has been carried out(S708), after that, based on a signal from the CPU, the electric motor81 is activated and the die container 20 is rotated in an anticlockwisedirection R2 (step S709) until it is in the FIG. 6 (c) position. Whendoing so, as the die container 20 moves from the FIG. 6 (e) state to theFIG. 6 (c) state (or as already mentioned the rear surface die holdingdistance L is being established), the position of the die 60 inside thedie slide 22 that is revealed in the area of the dotted line in FIG. 6(c) is maintained without it being reinserted into the die shaker 21.

After that, based on a signal from the CPU, the electric motor 81 isactivated and the die container 20 is rotated in a clockwise directionR1 (step S710) from the FIG. 6 (c) position until it is in the FIG. 6(e) spot reading position.

After that, in the same way as with step S708, reading of the spots onthe die 60 (step S711) is carried out by the means of illumination 30disposed on the slide upper surface 22 b in the vicinity of the sliderear surface 22 c and the means of reading 40 disposed on the slidelower surface 22 a in the vicinity of the slide rear surface 22 c (stepS711).

After that, in step S712, a check is carried out to ascertain whether ornot the value read in step S711 and the value read previously are thesame.

If the value read in step S711 and the value read previously are not thesame (“No” in S712), then the process from step S709 (re-shaking) iscarried out once again.

If the value read in step S711 and the value read previously are thesame (“Yes” in S712), then the value of the spots read is confirmed andthe process from step S713 is carried out.

After that, in step S713, based on a signal from the CPU, the electricmotor 81 is activated and the die container 20 is rotated in a clockwisedirection R1 from the FIG. 6 (e) position to the FIG. 6 (f) position.When the die container 20 is rotated to the FIG. 6 (f) position, the die60 inside the die slide 22 slides inside the die slide 22 withoutrolling and stops in a position touching the slide front surface 22 d asshown in FIG. 6 (a). When the die 60 is located in this position, thespots on the die 60 are able to be seen.

After that, in this embodiment, the values of the spots on the die 60within each of the dice containers 20 are displayed on the liquidcrystal display panels 12 (No. 1 display panel 12 a through No. 3display panel 12 c).

In this embodiment, when all of the light sensors 41 through 47 in themeans of reading 40 are in a light receiving state, then it isdetermined that the die 60 is no longer in the appropriate readingposition and the process from step S709 is once more carried out.

The gaming machine 1 in this embodiment is activated as shown previouslyin FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.

That is to say, when the die containers 20 comprising the gaming machine1 involved in this embodiment start to move from the die containerstandard position (FIG. 6 (a)) and rotate and move to the shakerinsertion position (FIG. 6 (b)), the die 60 is inserted into the shaker21 through the opening connector 23 from the die slide 22.

As the die shaker 21 comprising the die container 20 has transparency,players can visually confirm the state of shaking of the die 60 insidethe die shakers 21. Furthermore, inside the die shaker 21, as theinternal elevated area 22 b is stepped as it faces the inside, theshaking of the die 60 can be carried out effectively.

After rotating the electric motor 81 which comprises the means ofturning 80 a multiple number of times (in a clockwise direction R1 andan anticlockwise direction R2) and rotating and vibrating the diecontainer 20 an appropriate number of times (after having shaken the die60), if the die containers 20 is rotated and moved to the slideinsertion position (FIG. 6 (d)), the die 60 is inserted into the dieslide 22 through the opening connector 23 from the die shaker 21. Afterthat, by rotating the electric motor 81, the die 60 is slid and movedinside the die slide 22 to the spot reading position.

After the die 60 has moved to the die slide 22, due to the constructionof the die slide 22 as shown in FIG. 3, the die 60 is not able to roll,etc., and is strongly resistant to outside impacts, etc., meaning thatthe value of the spots on the die 60 can be easily established.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reading of the die 60 is carriedout, the read data (spot value) is kept while [the die 60] is moved tothe vibration repeating position (the position of the die 60 shown bythe dotted line in FIG. 6 (c)) and fine vibrations are applied to thedie 60 by rotating it in a short cycle in a clockwise direction R1 andan anticlockwise direction R2. This process is carried out in order toeliminate erroneous reading of the spots.

For example, if any irregularity occurs to the die 60 or the diecontainer 20 and the die 60 is not able to be positioned in the normalreading position (spot reading position), by applying fine vibrations asmentioned above it can correct its position. In addition, after thecorrection of the position has been carried out, the die 60 is onceagain rotated and moved into the spot reading position and spot readingis once again carried out.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the previous reading result (data)does not match the present reading result (data), the die container 20is rotated once again to the vibration repeating position and afterapplying fine vibrations the position of the die 60 is adjusted and spotreading is carried out. When the previous data matches that of thepresent data the die 60 spot data is confirmed and the die container 20is rotated to the die container standard position. By rotating the diecontainer 20 the die 60 is moved to the die display position (theposition where the die 60 is touching the slide front surface 22 d ofthe die slide 22) and is revealed to the player. At the same time, theconfirmed spot value of the die 60 revealed to the player is displayedon the liquid crystal display panel 12 and one play is completed.

As the gaming machine 1 involved in this embodiment comprises thefunctions mentioned above, it can obtain the following function andeffects.

The gaming machine 1 involved in this embodiment is a gaming machine 1with a die 60, a die container 20 containing a die 60, and a means ofturning 80 that rotates the die container 20, the die body 61 hastransparency and the spot displays panels 62 on each side of the diebody 61 (spot display surfaces 63) have light shielding properties, thedie container 20 has a die shaker 21 and a die slide 22, the die shaker21 and the die slide 22 are connected to enable the die 60 to movebetween the die shaker 21 and the die slide 22, the die shaker 22 hastransparency, part of the die slide 22 has light shielding properties(the slide lower surface 22 a in this embodiment), the die slide 22 ismade in such a way that it can slide without rolling the die 60, themeans of rolling 80 that rotates the die container 20 comprises anelectric motor 81 and a plurality of gears connected to the electricmotor 81, a means of reading 40 using light sensors 41 through 47 isdisposed on the slide lower surface 22 a of the die slide 22, a means ofillumination 30 is disposed on the slide upper surface 22 b of the dieslide 22, by controlling the rotation stop angle using the means ofturning 80, a die 60 is shaken in the die shaker 21 and can be stoppedin a prescribed position where the die slide 22 has light shieldingproperties, a means of illumination 30 is disposed on the No. 1 side (onthe spot display side revealed to the player) corresponding to the spotson the die 60 stopped in the prescribed position, a means of reading 40is disposed on the No. 2 side opposite the No. 1 side (on the spotdisplay side in a position opposite to the spot display side that isrevealed to the player) and based on the information obtained from themeans of reading 40, the spots of the die 60 are recognized.

With this kind of structure, because it is a gaming machine 1 using realdice, compared with conventional gaming machines that create images ofdice using animation or CG, it is possible to obtain a gaming machine 1that dispels the suspicions of players and does not have a sense ofunfairness.

Furthermore, with this kind of structure, because it is equipped withdie shakers 21 having transparency, it is easier for players to verifythe shaking state of the dice 60 and obtain a gaming machine 1 whichdispels the suspicions of players and has no sense of unfairness.

Furthermore, with this kind of structure, the die shaker 21 hastransparency and as the die slide 22 can move only when the die 60 isnot rolling, players can see the state of the die 60 during shaking andafter shaking the die 60 does not roll. Therefore, with this kind ofstructure, in addition to achieving an appropriate state of shaking forthe die 60, it makes it possible to obtain a gaming machine 1 that caneliminate improper die rolling after shaking (and after identification).

Furthermore, with this kind of structure, because the spots on the die60 are identified using the means of illumination 30 and light sensors41 through 47, it is possible to obtain a gaming machine 1 with acomparatively simple construction that is low cost.

Furthermore, with this kind of structure, by controlling the turningmovement and stopping of the die container 20 applying the means ofturning 80 using the electric motor 81, etc., it can carry out shakingof the die 60 in a visible state that allows proper identification,etc., of spots on the die 60. That is to say, with this kind ofstructure, it is relatively simple to carry out shaking of the die 60.Therefore, it is difficult for erroneous electrical movement to occurand it is possible to obtain a gaming machine 1 where it is difficultfor improper operation to be carried out.

As explained above, according to the invention involved in thisembodiment, in addition to using real dice, on account of its structure,it is possible to obtain a gaming machine 1 comprising die rolling andidentification apparatuses 2 where players can play without giving thema sense of unfairness or suspicion and it can identify die spotscomparatively easily and using a simple structure.

Other Embodiments

The present invention is not limited to the abovementioned embodiments,and various variations and modifications may be made without departingfrom the scope of the present invention.

In the abovementioned embodiments, the case of a die containercomprising a connected die shaker and a die slide was explained.However, this invention is not limited to such as structure. Therefore,the die container involved in the present invention may also have astructure with an integrated die shaker and die slide.

Furthermore, in the abovementioned embodiment, although a structure witha light shield 26 disposed only on the slide lower surface 22 a of thedie slide 22 was described, the present invention is not limited to thatstructure. Therefore, for example, in addition to the slide lowersurface 22 a, the structure may have a light shield 26 disposed also onthe slide front surface 22 d, the slide left surface 22 e, or the slideright surface 22 f. With this kind of structure it can properlyeliminate improper viewing, etc., of the dice 60.

Furthermore, in the abovementioned embodiment, as shown in step S705 ofFIG. 7, based on a signal from the CPU and through the activation of theelectric motor 81, a “check to judge whether or not the die container 20has been vibrated the prescribed number of times” is carried out. Thatis to say, although it has been explained that after a check has beencarried out with regard to whether or not the die 60 has been shaken theprescribed number of times in the die container 20 and that based onthat judgement the process from step S706 is then carried out and thespots on the die 60 are read, the present invention is not limited tothat structure. Therefore, for example, other structures may include astop button disposed to stop the rotating die container 20 at theplayer's designated time (or at a time during a prescribed time period).With this kind of structure, for example, in step S705 in FIG. 7, astructure would be desirable whereby a check would be carried out toascertain whether or not the stop button had been pressed and based onthat judgement the process from step S706 would be carried out and thespots on the die 60 would be read. With this kind of structure, the diecontainer 20 can be stopped at a desired time by the player.Furthermore, for example, another structure could be where theabovementioned stop button is disposed and in step S705 of FIG. 7 astructure would be desirable whereby a check is carried out to ascertainwhether the “die container 20 has been vibrated the prescribed number oftimes or whether the stop button has been pressed” and based on thatjudgement the process from step S706 would be carried out and the spotson the die 60 would be read. With this kind of structure, the time forthe die container 20 to be vibrated a prescribed number of times wouldbe the prescribed time during which the stop button could be pressed andthe die container 20 stop timing can be selected according to the desireof the player.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

A die rolling and identification apparatus involving the presentinvention can be applied to various apparatuses requiring die spots.Furthermore, as gaming machines involving the present invention arecomprised of the abovementioned die rolling and identificationapparatus, players can play without giving them a sense of unfairness orsuspicion and it is possible to identify die spots comparatively easilyand using a simple structure.

EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS

-   -   1 Gaming machine    -   2 Die rolling and identification apparatus    -   10 Chassis    -   11 Die rolling and identification apparatus enclosure    -   12 Liquid crystal display panel    -   12 a No. 1 display panel    -   12 b No. 2 display panel    -   12 c No. 3 display panel    -   13 Bet display panel    -   20 Die container    -   20A No. 1 die container    -   20B No. 2 die container    -   20C No. 3 die container    -   21 Die shaker    -   21 a Shaker body    -   21 b Internal elevated area    -   22 Die slide    -   22 a Slide lower surface    -   22 b Slide upper surface    -   22 c Slide rear surface    -   22 d Slide front surface    -   22 e Slide left surface    -   22 f Slide right surface    -   22A No. 1 die guide    -   22B No. 2 die guide    -   23 Opening connector    -   26 Light shield    -   30 Means of illumination    -   40 Means of reading (light sensor)    -   41 No. 1 light sensor    -   42 No. 2 light sensor    -   43 No. 3 light sensor    -   44 No. 4 light sensor    -   45 No. 5 light sensor    -   46 No. 6 light sensor    -   47 No. 7 light sensor    -   60 Die    -   61 Die body    -   62 Spot display panels    -   62 a “1” spot display panel    -   62 b “2” spot display panel    -   62 c “3” spot display panel    -   62 d “4” spot display panel    -   62 e “5” spot display panel    -   62 f “6” spot display panel    -   63 Spot display surfaces    -   63 a “1” spot display surface    -   63 b “2” spot display surface    -   63 c “3” spot display surface    -   63 d “4” spot display surface    -   63 e “5” spot display surface    -   63 f “6” spot display surface    -   70 Block read sensor    -   80 Means of turning    -   81 Electric motor

What is claimed is:
 1. A die rolling and identification apparatuscharacterized by comprising a die container containing a die and a meansof turning that turns said die container, said die container comprisinga die shaker and a die slide where said die shaker is connected to saiddie slide in order to enable said die to move between said die shakerand said die slide, said die shaker has transparency, part of said dieslide has light shielding properties, said die slide can slide withoutsaid die rolling, said means of turning turns said die container andcomprises a motor and a plurality of gears connected to said motor, saiddie shaken in said die shaker that is stopped in a prescribed positionin said die slide where the light is blocked by controlling the turnstop angle using said means of turning. A means of reading the spots ofsaid die stopped in said prescribed position is disposed on the sidefacing said die and said spots on said die are identified based oninformation obtained by such means for reading.
 2. A gaming machinecharacterized by comprising a die container containing said die and ameans of turning that turns said die container, the body of said diehaving transparency and the spot display panels formed on each face ofsaid die body which have light shielding properties, said die containercomprising a die shaker and a die slide where said die shaker isconnected to said die slide in order to enable said die to move betweensaid die shaker and said die slide, said die shaker has transparency,part of said die slide which has light shielding properties, said dieslide which can slide without said die rolling, said means of turningthat turns said die container and comprises a motor and a plurality ofgears connected to said motor, a means of reading comprising a lightsensor that is disposed on the slide lower surface of said die slide, ameans of illumination which is disposed on the slide upper surface ofsaid die slide, said die shaken in said die shaker which is stopped inthe prescribed position of said die slide having shielding properties bycontrolling the turn stop angle by said means of turning, said means ofillumination which is disposed on the transparent part of said die slidestopped in a prescribed position, said means of illumination which isdisposed on the No. 1 face equating to said spots on said die stopped insaid prescribed position and said means of reading which is disposed onthe No. 2 face opposite said No. 1 side, and said spots on said dieidentified based on information obtained by said means of reading.